STORMS TONIGHT: Cool, Dry Weather Later This Week

Strong to severe thunderstorms are forecast to develop this afternoon in western Iowa and quickly transition east this evening. These storms will have the potential to produce damaging winds in excess of 70 mph, large hail, and isolated rain wrapped tornadoes. The severe threat looks to continue through the late evening hours. In addition to the severe weather threat, very heavy rain will accompany these thunderstorms. Rainfall rates of 3 to 5 inches per hour are possible along and south of Interstate 80. This is likely to lead to areas of flash flooding where rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches will be common, with some areas receiving over 5 inches by Wednesday morning. A Flash Flood Watch in is in effect this evening into Wednesday morning across the southern half of Iowa. TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN! Lingering storms are expected across eastern Iowa on Wednesday. Otherwise, cool and dry weather is in store Thursday and Friday before additional thunderstorm chances return over the weekend.